Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder that occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough of the hormone insulin, or the body stops responding to insulin. According to the website of the Global Diabetes Community, type 2 diabetes was previously associated with middle age, but is becoming increasingly common in children and adolescents. Type 2 diabetes can vary in severity, and some people have to take insulin to manage their blood sugar levels. Preliminary research suggests that vitamin C may play a role in the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Properties
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin with potent antioxidant properties. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, vitamin C protects cells from free-radical damage and may prevent the development of diseases known to be caused by oxidative stress, such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. Research published in the July 2008 issue of the "Archives of Internal Medicine" suggests people who have a high intake of vitamin C may be at a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Source
The body cannot store vitamin C, so it must be obtained daily through the diet or by taking a dietary supplement. It is found in several foods, such as red peppers, tomatoes, kiwi fruit, broccoli and potatoes. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, five portions of fruit and vegetables a day provides 200mg of vitamin C, more than double the recommended dietary allowance for adult males and females.
Evidence
Research published in the July 2008 issue of the "Archives of Internal Medicine" suggests there is a strong inverse association between blood levels of vitamin C and type 2 diabetes risk. The 12-year study found that higher plasma vitamin C levels were associated with a substantially decreased risk of diabetes. The study notes that a diet rich in fruit and vegetables may help prevent type 2 diabetes. An article published in the December 2004 issue of "Diabetes Care" also demonstrates that levels of vitamin C in the white blood cells of type 2 diabetics are lower than those of people who do not have the condition.
Significance
More research is needed before it can be conclusively proved that vitamin C can prevent type 2 diabetes. In addition, research published in the November 2004 edition of "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" notes that a high intake of vitamin C in some people with diabetes may lead to other complications such as atherosclerosis and heart disease.
Considerations
If you have type 2 diabetes and are considering taking vitamin C as part of your treatment program, or you are concerned about developing the condition, seek medical advice first. Your doctor may suggest proven methods for controlling and preventing type 2 diabetes, such as diet modification, exercise and regular glucose monitoring.
References
- Diabetes.co.uk: Type 2 Diabetes
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin C
- "Archives of Internal Medicine"; "Plasma Vitamin C Level, Fruit and Vegetable Consumption, and the Risk of New-Onset Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: the European Prospective Investigation of Cancer--Norfolk Prospective Study"; A.H. Harding; July 2008
- "Diabetes Care"; "Lymphocyte and Plasma Vitamin C Levels in Type 2 Diabetic Patients With and Without Diabetes Complications"; Hiroshi Yamada et al; October 2004
- "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; "Does Supplemental Vitamin C Increase Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Women with Diabetes?"; Duk-Hee Lee; November 2004
